Poultry farmers are raged over the decision by the government to replace eggs with Chinese mackerel for the students in Ghana. They have revealed plans to petition the President over the alleged decision by the Buffer Stock Company to replace eggs with imported mackerels from China in schools.
Reports indicate that Akufo-Addo’s led government has awarded a contract to a Chinese company to import mackerel for the school children under the school feeding programme to replace the consumption of eggs by the students.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Boris Baidoo, a poultry farmer noted that the new development will not “augur well for the poultry industry”.
“Whoever is bringing the decision, we are pleading with the government that it should not be entertained.
“We have gone for loans to produce both eggs and broilers for the country. We are already in a state of losing our business due to the high cost of poultry feed, why should the government increase our woes with such a decision.”
Mr. Boris Baidoo, Poultry Farmer
The Poultry Farmers Association has indicated plans to meet the President on Friday, April 16, 2021 to table their grievance.
Buffer Stock Company debunk claims
Meanwhile, the Buffer Stock Company has debunked claims that it is substituting mackerel for locally-produced eggs in its supplies to Senior High Schools across the country.
The Africa Education Watch had claimed that the National Food Buffer Stock Company had increased its supply of Chinese imported mackerel to schools. Thus, ignoring eggs from poultry farmers in the country.
However, Hanan Abdul- Wahab, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company indicated that those assertions are not true.
“There has not been any policy that compels SHSs not to buy eggs. The mackerel and eggs are not mutually exclusive. Schools can buy eggs if they so wish, in addition to the mackerels supplied by NAFCO.”
He insisted that the supply of eggs is not within the mandate of his outfit.
“What this means is that egg has not been substituted for mackerel. Such a claim is false. Besides, Buffer Stock doesn’t supply eggs…”
Hanan Abdul- Wahab, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has also said the “worrying” concerns about the lack of demand for eggs from local poultry farms will receive inter-ministerial attention.
“It is a source of worry for every Ghanaian and the ministry. So going forward, I think we need to have an inter-ministerial discussion on this matter.
“I won’t be able to give timelines but certainly, there will be a resolution.”
Bagbara Tanko, the Ministry’s PRO.
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